Saturday, June 23, 2018

Gaming Ads: Malibu Comics Entertainment and Malibu Games

Malibu Comics was founded in 1986 and entered the video game business in 1992 following a merger with Acme Interactive that lead to the formation of Malibu Interactive. Malibu Interactive developed a number of games that were sometimes published by Malibu Comics Entertainment but also by other publishers. While researching Malibu I came across multiple sources stating that Sega is the publisher of Dinosaurs for Hire, a Genesis game based on a Malibu comic book. However, the ad (below) for that game says it is published by Malibu Comics Entertainment so I'm placing the ad with Malibu Comics. It's possible the small print is stating the publisher of the property the game is based on but I think it's more likely Sega is the distributor or co-publisher.

Initially I didn't think Malibu Games was connected to Malibu Comics Entertainment but then I saw a screenshot for a Sports Illustrated game that states "Software Copyright ©1993 Malibu Games, a division of THQ, Inc. and Malibu Interactive." Malibu Games was a subsidiary of publisher THQ that must have been created through an arrangement with Malibu Comics. Perhaps Malibu Comics needed assistance in publishing its games after getting into game development. Between 1993 and 1995 Malibu Games released around 15 games, including games based on the TV shows SeaQuest DSV, Family Dog, and Time Trax.

Malibu Comics Entertainment albums: Facebook - Google Photos
Malibu Games albums: Facebook - Google Photos


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